By Destiny Uko
Corporal punishment was once the standard disciplinary tool in African homes and schools. In many Nigerian households, the cane stood proudly in a corner, an enduring symbol of authority, control and parental duty. But times have evolved.
Today’s children, especially Gen Alpha—those born between 2010 and 2025—are growing up in a vastly different world—one that is digital, informed, expressive, and emotionally intelligent. For this cohort, traditional punitive measures are not only proving ineffective but also potentially even harmful
A growing body of research, including findings from UNICEF Nigeria, highlights the long-term negative effects of corporal punishment, associating it with emotional trauma, psychological troubles, and behavioural issues.
As awareness grows, attention is shifting towards positive, non-violent disciplinary methods that build trust, encourage responsibility, and equip both parents and educators with better tools to correct their wards.
One effective measure is allowing natural consequences to do the teaching. Rather than beating a child for misbehaving, let them face the logical outcome of their actions.
if a child leaves their lunch at home, for example, going hungry for a few hours may be a more impactful discipline than any scolding. In a similar vein, if they fail to complete their assignment, let the resulting poor grades speak for themselves.
These experiences foster accountability, critical thinking, and self-management—skills vital to succeed in today’s complex world.
Highlight the positive
Instead of focusing solely on what a child did wrong, shift the spotlight to what they did right. This could be by praising good behaviour, offering small rewards, acknowledging efforts or simply saying kind words.
Gen Alpha kids, largely influenced by their environment and constant digital stimulation, respond better to validation than criticism. Kind words uplift their spirits. This approach leads to more responsible behaviour and meaningful engagement from children.
Prioritise empathy and dialogue
“Because I said so” may no longer apply to kids raised in an age of open dialogue and information. Gen Alpha kids ask questions and want to be heard. Instead of issuing blanket commands, take time to understand their behaviour, discuss better choices and allow space for questions and answers. These conversations nurture emotional intelligence, build trust and allow children to develop internal discipline.
Technology as a disciplinary tool
Digital solutions such as ClassDojo, Goally, and Kidslox are making it easier to monitor behaviour, set goals, and reward positive conduct. These resources appeal to Gen Alpha’s tech-oriented nature and offer parents and educators a structured, interactive way to encourage discipline.
Another means to explore is “restorative practices.” This works by asking the child to repair the harm they caused by their actions. If a child damages a friend’s property or disrupts a class, they should be guided to apologise, repair what was broken, or support the person offended. This approach promotes empathy and responsibility.
From punishment to character building
Raising Gen Alphs requires more than just enforcing rules. It demands empathy, patience, creativity and strategy. The focus isn’t controlling behaviour but moulding character.
By moving away from corporal punishment and embracing these thoughtful alternatives, parents and educators can raise children who are not only well behaved but also emotionally intelligent, responsible and guided by an inner moral compass, even when no one is watching.
Corporal punishment, once prevalent in African homes and schools, is being replaced by more positive disciplinary methods, especially with the rise of Gen Alpha children born in the digital era. Research highlights the negative impacts of corporal punishment, such as emotional and psychological harm, leading to a shift towards non-violent approaches. These include allowing children to learn from natural consequences, using praise and rewards to highlight positive behavior, and ensuring dialogue and empathy are prioritized over directives.
Technological tools like ClassDojo, Goally, and Kidslox offer interactive ways to monitor and encourage positive behavior, aligning with Gen Alpha's tech-savvy nature. Restorative practices that involve children in repairing harm also promote accountability and empathy. The focus has shifted from punishment to character building, aiming to nurture emotionally intelligent, responsible children guided by their moral compass. This modern approach to discipline fosters critical thinking and self-management in today's complex world.
